The ceremony and celebration marking the grand opening of the Harper Court project in Hyde Park are documented in the following images. The two events were presented in the now-familiar style The University of Chicago uses when marking a milestone in the renovation of 53rd Street, Hyde Park’s developing commercial corridor – a scripted press conference and party for the people. They were upbeat and generally fun, but some in the community (read letters to the editor of the Hyde Park Herald for reference) see the two as subterfuge and seduction, the careful products of University planning and community manipulation.

Estelle sheds a tear as she performs during Harper Court grand opening events.